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To Reconnect vs Reconnecting Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To reconnect (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to reconnect" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I need to reconnect with old friends.

Reconnecting (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "reconnecting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Reconnecting with old friends brings back cherished memories.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reconnect (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reconnect is important for maintaining relationships.

    To reconnect is important for maintaining relationships.

    • "*To reconnect*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for maintaining relationships).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reconnect with her family.

    She wants me to reconnect with her family.

    • "Me *to reconnect* with her family" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reconnect* with her family).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a reliable internet connection to reconnect with his clients.

    He needs a reliable internet connection to reconnect with his clients.

    • "*To reconnect* with his clients" modifies the noun "internet connection."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reliable internet connection *to reconnect* with his clients).

Reconnecting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reconnecting with loved ones is essential for emotional well-being.

    Reconnecting with loved ones is essential for emotional well-being.

    • "*Reconnecting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for emotional well-being).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reconnecting with my college friends.

    I enjoy reconnecting with my college friends.

    • "*Reconnecting* with my college friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reconnecting* with my college friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for reconnecting with nature.

    He has a passion for reconnecting with nature.

    • "For *reconnecting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *reconnecting* with nature).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

I hope to reconnect with my childhood friends at the reunion.

They plan to reconnect with their roots by visiting their home country.

She wants to reconnect with her former colleagues for a project.

We decided to reconnect with nature by going on a camping trip.

He chose to reconnect with himself through meditation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys reconnecting with her favorite hobbies in her free time.

They recommend regularly reconnecting with oneself for personal growth.

I am considering reconnecting with my cultural heritage.

He avoids reconnecting with toxic people in his life.

Can you imagine yourself reconnecting with your inner child?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to reconnect with nature during long walks. I like reconnecting with nature during long walks.

We started to reconnect after many years. We started reconnecting after many years.

He began to reconnect with his passion for music. He began reconnecting with his passion for music.

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